EW or EWWW?

I mentioned part of my nightly routine is to fall asleep reading Entertainment Weekly. The March 12, 2010 issue had a list of the “10 Best TV shows Right Now!” Holly, I thought you would like to know that our opinions dovetail nicely in some places with this national publication. Not so much in others. The list goes as follows:

1. The Good Wife – I have not followed this, but I saw a portion of it last week. I have to admit, I was immediately caught up in the drama. I just don’t know if it can truly be called the best.

2. Breaking Bad – This should come as no surprise. We have been saying the same thing for a while. As we anticipate the premiere of the third season, get ready to get your blogface on.

3. LOST – I mentioned this show in my defense of network TV last month. I stand by that opinion as I am completely engrossed with the final season as it is airing now.

4. Friday Night Lights – I have read about how good this show is for years. I love football, but I have just not gotten into it.

5. Fringe – Another show on my list of redeeming features of the networks.

6. Modern Family – I have watched this a couple of times and it is very funny. It just has not made my appointment TV list.

7. Glee – Here is one for you, Holly. You have gushed over this show that I have yet to watch.

8. Southland – I have not watched this, either. It was originally on NBC, but they cancelled it and the cable channel TNT picked it up. It must be pretty good, then.

9. Damages – I have not followed this Glenn Close FX series, but I read it is good.

10. Caprica – Here is our love/hate darling in the top ten.

I am partial to a few other shows that did not make the cut. There are some I like that I am under no illusions are great shows (Sorry, Burn Notice). Yet, there are some that I believe rise above some of this list.

Glaringly absent is the Emmy and Golden Globe winning Mad Men. Is it because it is not on the air right now? I would also include FX’s series Rescue Me, TNT's Men of a Certain Age and HBO's True Blood. These are active series, but not currently airing new episodes. Is that the criteria?

Holly, what do you think? Would you boot some of these and replace them with others? Did you notice a mere 4 out of 10 are cable shows. My list would be more like 6 out of 10.

Here is how my list would look.

1. Mad Men - AMC

2. Breaking Bad - AMC

3. LOST - ABC

4. Fringe - FOX

5. True Blood - HBO

6. Rescue Me - FX

7. Men of a Certain Age - TNT

8. Glee - FOX

9. Better Off Ted - ABC

10. Caprica - SYFY

If You Are So Reclined

Tell me Holly... do you own a Snuggie? Somehow this is how I picture you this weekend.

Caprica

I am also going to give the Cylons another shot. Right at the very end of the last episode, there was a glimmer of hope. Good guy Joseph Adama put out a hit on the wife of his developing nemesis, Daniel Graystone. I like to be surprised and even bothered by the actions of characters sometimes. It seems more real than straight up heroes and villains. I will be even more surprised if it comes to pass. If Amanda is offed, that is one way to ensure poor Zoe will never have to watch her parents frak again.

Burn Notice

I know this is not your cup of tea, Holly, but this is part of my weekend lineup. Would it help if Jeffrey Donovan grew a Tom Selleck moustache and donned some short shorts?

The In-betweeners

Speaking of tea, I am also going to sample some BBC America sometime before Monday. Thanks to your recommendation, I have enjoyed the pilot of this series and am looking forward to the further misadventures of these poor wankers.

Men of a Certain Age

I have DVR'd a couple of episodes of this TNT series. I have enjoyed its deliberate pace and believable characters up to this point. The dialogue among the guys is clever and realistic. The dramatic situations are genuine and sometimes strike all too close to home for this man of a certain age. It helps that the trio of friends are played by actors I have enjoyed in other series over the years. Scott Bakula, Andre Braugher and Ray Romano have all shown unexpected depth in their portrayals. Contrary to some descriptions, this is NOT a Sex and the City for men. I am not even sure what that could possibly mean.

Tiger Woods Press Conference

I was so put off by all the hype leading up to this "event" I swore I would not watch. This was not a Presidential announcement or even "news" by most definitions. Yet, I am ashamed to admit I found myself watching as it unfolded. I was left feeling thankful that I have not been in a position that required a public apology for all the stupid shit I have done in my life. Let those without sin, cast the first golf ball.

So this is what will be on as I lean back in my recliner and cozy up to my own bowl of popcorn. Minus the Snuggie, of course.